December 2025 Newsletter

Heritage Herald – December 2025 Edition

From Pastor’s Desk

The Season of Advent

The Christian Advent season is a four-week period leading up to Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continues through Christmas Eve. Advent marks a time of waiting, preparation, and hope for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and for His promised return

Advent is the first season of the Christian liturgical year, observed in many denominations including Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Protestant traditions. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It is both a season of anticipation and spiritual preparation

Advent directs our focus in three directions:

Back to the first coming of Christ — celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
To Christ’s present advent to us in His Gospel and Sacraments.
To Christ’s promised second coming —

While Advent leads into the joy of Christmas, its tone is often more quiet, reflective, and expectant than festive. Advent is the time when Christians intentionally turn their attention to Jesus Christ—His coming into the world, His presence with us now, and His promised return in glory. Everything in Advent points to Him.

Remembering Christ’s First Coming

Advent looks back to the Incarnation—the miracle that the eternal Son of God took on human flesh and was born as Jesus in Bethlehem. It is a season to marvel at:

Christ’s humility in becoming human
Christ’s love in entering our broken world
Christ’s mission to save sinners and bring light into darkness

Waiting for Christ’s Second Coming

Advent also looks forward. Christians reflect on the promise that Christ will come again to:

make all things new,
judge with righteousness,
and fully establish His kingdom of peace and justice.

This future hope shapes how believers live in the present—watchful, faithful, and joyful.

Recognizing Christs Presence Today

Advent invites believers to prepare room for Christ in their lives by:

Repenting of sin,
renewing trust in Him,
growing in devotion to God and service to others.

Our many Advent traditions serve to circle back to Jesus. Advent is about Christ—His coming, His presence, and His promised return. It is a season to behold Him, worship Him, and prepare our hearts for Him.

Pastor Anderson

Treasurer Update

FY26 Financial Summary

FY26 October Financial Summary (1)

Council Update –

Inreach
The board met with Ruth Braun to finalize updates to the New Member Packets and confirmed our list of youth volunteers for the upcoming Bazaar. Together with Klaudia Calhoun, the InReach Board also finalized the list of children participating in this year’s Christmas Program—something we’re all looking forward to!

Spiritual Oversight
Our Elders met recently to discuss board member recruitment.

We’re also seeking additional organists and pianists to serve as back-up musicians. Jason and Josh are reaching out through connections at Bethany and St. Croix, and we’re considering scheduling shifts to improve planning.

School Board

Enrollment continues to grow! Stacy is confident that six of her students will move on to Kindergarten, and Teresa expects at least four returning students for 1st and 2nd grade, giving us a great start toward next year’s class planning.

Our Hike for Heritage Fundraiser was a tremendous success, raising nearly $13,000! Teachers already have a list of items to purchase, with some funds going toward school board relief.

The new ProCare App has also been rolled out for parents—helping families stay more connected than ever.

Outreach

Plans are underway for a Pie Social on Thanksgiving Eve—a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and gratitude.

Properties

We’re thankful that the rooftop furnaces were repaired for about $2,000, coming in well under the estimate!! Some bathroom and kitchen appliance issues were fixed in-house, and we’ve signed a new contract for snow removal and lawn services.

Treasurer

There’s much to be thankful for in our financial picture this month:

The gap in member giving has narrowed significantly, thanks to the Heritage School drive organized by Toni Balliet and several larger member contributions. We are now just $1,700 behind total giving goals for the year.
The school received an increase in lump-sum tuition payments, improving short-term cash flow.
Expenses are tracking reasonably close to plan.
We’re also deeply grateful for Al Braunwarth’s estate contribution of $42,000, a gift that will help offset this year’s projected school deficit.

While these blessings have provided a strong boost, we remain mindful that long-term financial health will depend on steady enrollment and sustained giving. Much progress has been made, and we trust God will continue to guide us forward.

Chairman

The Security Team held its first meeting and will continue to meet quarterly. Updated building security procedures have been emailed to the congregation. Non-member building users have transitioned from keys to fobs, improving safety and access management.

Following the insurance audit, two actions are being completed: a roof assessment by Kaufmann and resealing the parking lot.

We’ve also been notified that we may again serve as a polling place for the City of Apple Valley in 2026 (August 11 – Primary, November 6 – General Election). A Heritage representative will be present during those times.

TLC / Office

The Mission Rally was a wonderful success with 50 in attendance—thank you to all who participated! Preparations are underway for the annual Bazaar on November 22 from 10–1.
Once again, gifts will be purchased for our seminary students, and our shut-ins will be remembered this Christmas with bouquets of flowers and cards.

Plans are also in place for Advent Suppers as we look forward to celebrating the coming of Christ together.

The next TLC meeting will be held on February 14 as a potluck brunch, and all ladies of the congregation are invited.

School & Church Security

The security of our building and grounds is very important. Here are a few points that need your attention:

1) Council has appointed Alex Hanson as Security Consultant: Alex has great expertise in this area and is leading us through a security assessment and in developing a security plan for both the church and the school. We’ve already identified a few items that we can take immediate action on.

2) Check the doors: We want to remind all members to always check the outside doors before leaving church especially if you are the last one out or if you are leaving through an already locked door. We would ask that you not only visually look at the door, but also physically tug on the door to make sure it is in fact locked and secure. It is very unsettling to come into the building and find out that one of the doors was either unlocked or in some way left unsecured because no one had checked it on their way out.

3) New fobbed entry for Narthex doors: The key fob system on the school doors has been working very well. Dave & Jesse are in the process of installing a similar system on the silver doors leading into the narthex. As this new system rolls out, one set of doors will be labeled Emergency Exit Only, so please do not exit through that set of doors, but rather use the other set that will be equipped with the new locking system.

4) Reduced building access during the school day: While school is in session, only school staff will have fob access. Member fobs will only allow access after the school day and on weekends. If you visit during the school day, you’ll need to be buzzed in.

If you have any questions, please speak with anyone on the Heritage Council.

Time & Talent Survey

The Church Council has updated the Time & Talent Survey. They are asking that all members take a moment to click on the Heritage Time and Talent Survey 2025 and fill out the simple Google form.

Some of you may have filled it out in the past, but please fill it out again as this will help our leadership get to know our members better.

Adult Bible Study Opportunities

Women’s Bible Study.

The Women’s Monday Night Bible Class will reconvene on Monday nights at 6:30 pm in January. Please contact Ruth with any questions.

Men’s Bible Study

The Men’s Thursday Morning Bible Class meets on Thursdays at 9 am.

Are You A Thrivent Member

Are you a Thrivent Member? Did you know that Thrivent has 2 ways to benefit Heritage? First is the Choice Dollar program. This is a simple program that throughout the year you can Direct Choice Dollars to your chosen non-profit. The Second is through Thrivent Action Teams. You sign up to “lead” a group of volunteers for an educational event, fundraiser, community service or fellowship project. Thrivent will provide $250 seed money to use for expenses incurred. Fiesta Night, Synod Youth Lock-in, Math & Science Night, VBS, Game Night, School Field Trips & Roller Skates rental are just some of the ways Heritage has already benefitted throughout the years. For more information you can log on to your account, both programs are under the Generosity tab across the top.

Sunday School Christmas Service

The Sunday School Christmas Service entitled “From Everlasting To Everlasting” will be on Sunday December 21st at 9 am. Klaudia Calhoun is leading the program this year and the children are working very hard to learn all their songs and recitations.

Heritage Choir

Choir For a Season of Sundays – Choir is now working on music for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Can’t make it to Wednesday rehearsals. Continuing through January 11, we will also meet on Sundays after Bible Class/Sunday School are finished. Choir will be singing the following Sundays: December 7, 14, and 21 and January 4 and 11. If any of these work for you, please come and rehearse with us!

Heritage Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Talk to Klaudia Calhoun or Julie Wright for information. Please join us!

Member Directory

Click to view the Heritage Picture Directory 2025 (1) If you have a family photo that you would like us to use, please submit it to the office.

Volunteer Opportunities Around the Church

The Property Board needs a couple of volunteers to wash windows, do some painting and some Fall cleaning. Contact Jodi in the office for info.

Members Helping Members

Greetings from Members Helping Members,

We help with rides to doctors’ appointments, limited help with car repairs, meals, or any other help someone may need. Thank you to those that have helped! If anyone can help out with transportation for members needing to get to appointments or running errands, please let me know. Please contact Pastor or myself if you need any help. If you would like to help on this committee, please contact me.

Thank you,

Barb Oachs

952-465-5272

TLC – The Ladies’ Connection

The Ladies’ Connection will meet on Saturday, February 14th at 9:30 a.m. for a brunch.

Seminary Gifts

Thank you to everyone who signed up to support the Seminary students this Christmas. Gift cards can be put in the office or given to Rhonda Eisenbeis. Gifts can be put in the old kitchen. If you have any questions, please talk to Rhonda Eisenbeis. Gifts are due December 7.

Advent Worship Schedule

2025 Midweek Advent Series

The Promise of His Coming

Wednesday evening worship 6:30 pm, December 3, 10, and 17,

Supper provided at 5:15pm

Wednesday December 3 – “Hope!”

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”¹³May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:12-13

Wednesday December 10 – “Peace!”

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7

Wednesday December 17 – “Joy!”

“My soul glorifies the Lord ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, ⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.” – Luke 1:46-49

o Wednesday Advent services: 6:30 pm – December 3rd, 10th and 17th. Supper served on the 3rd, 10th & 17th at 5:15 p.m.

o Sunday 11-30 The First Sunday in Advent. Worship service with Communion at 9:00 a.m.

o Sunday 12-7 The Second Sunday in Advent. Worship service with Communion at 9:00 a.m.

o Sunday 12-14 The Third Sunday in Advent. Worship service at 9:00 a.m.

o Sunday 12-21 The Fourth Sunday in Advent Worship service at 9:00 a.m. This service will be the Sunday School Christmas service.

o Wednesday 12-24 The Christmas Eve Candlelight song service will be at 6:30 pm.

o Thursday 12-25 Christmas day service will be at 10:00 am with Communion.

o Sunday 12-28 The First Sunday in Christmas. Worship service at 9:00 a.m.

o Wednesday 12-31 New Years Eve service at 6:30 p.m. with Communion.

o Thursday 01-01 -2026 New Years Day; There will be NO service as is our custom.

Companions in Prayer

My Prayer Story

Be prepared! That seems to be a frequent admonition in our lives. We prepare for everything from a meal to a test to getting ready for company. How do you prepare? My niece and daughter stayed with me over Thanksgiving. One of the things I had to prepare was to clean out the extra bedroom where I toss everything until I am ready to deal with it. That was a chore!! Now it is time for us to prepare for Christmas. What is on your “to do” list? Presents, food, cards, etc. Be sure to include preparing for the coming of our Savior. This is “the reason for the season”. Preparation includes making time to worship and thank Him by prayer, mediation and attending worship services.

Mark 1:2,3 “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your Way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight’” Believe in the the birth, life, death and promises of our Lord and we can rejoice!

Oh Happy Day When We Shall Stand (ELH #590 vs.1,4)

Oh happy day when we shall stand Amid the heavenly throng,
And sing with hosts from every land
The new celestial song, the new celestial song.

God, may Thy bounteous grace inspire Our hearts so that we may
All join the heavenly, white-robed choir
Upon the glorious day, Upon that glorious day.

Congregation Prayer Suggestions:

Intercessory prayer – prayers on the behalf of others – is a part of a Christian’s life. If you have a request for Companions in Prayer at Heritage to pray for you or someone you know, please contact Alice Schmidt, Pastor Anderson or the Office.

Each of you have a list of those you pray for, but consider adding these to it.

Mass shootings have continued to plague our country. Pray that the hatred and evil that causes it be thwarted so that we may live in peace, without fear.
For the shut-ins from our congregation – pray for their well being and opportunities to worship through on-line services, Meditations and other resources online from Heritage.

Serving in December

Click the link –> Greeter Calendar

Greeter Guidelines

To provide a consistent, friendly, and sincere greeting every Sunday to all members and visitors to Heritage Lutheran Church, guidelines have been developed to help accomplish that goal. Following are some of those guidelines:

Please mark your calendar for the date you are assigned. The date assigned will be published in the Heritage Newsletter for a two-month period.
Please be ready to greet no less than 20 minutes before each service for which you have been assigned.
As you greet visitors, please encourage them to sign our guest book. If there are two people greeting, one of you could escort them to the guest book while the other continues to greet. Ideally you should try to introduce them to another member standing nearby. Sometimes this is difficult to do as the service is starting. In that case, try to chat with them after the service and introduce them to other members after the service.
Stay at the door until the service is underway; visitors quite often show up late and really need extra help in getting bulletins and a place to sit. Feel free to involve the ushers as needed.
If you have a chance, get their contact information from the guest book or by asking them for it, and then follow up with a thank you text, email, or note sent to them thanking them for visiting our church. If you inform the church office, they could help with this task.
If you are unable to greet at both services, please ask someone to fill in for you. If you find out at the last minute, text the following who are willing to help – Remus 651-800-5827, Braun 612-237-1064, Fahning 952-200-2870, Eisenbeis 651-230-4423, Barb Oachs 952-465-5272
If you have a conflict with the date you were assigned, please contact someone from your month or the next month and trade with them. This helps those doing the scheduling with juggling all the rescheduling. Thank You!

December Ushers, Acolytes & Communion Helpers

Click the link –> Usher Acolyte Calendar

December Recording

12/3 – Jason Eisenbeis
12/7 – Stan Miller
12/10 – Libby Paulsen
12/14 – Jason Eisenbeis
12/17 – Stan Miller
12/21 – Stan Miller
12/24 – Dave Paulsen
12/25 – Libby Paulsen
12/28 – Stan Miller
12/31 – Jason Eisenbeis

December Altar Guild

Hannah Anderson/Bonnie Kooy

December Fellowship

12/7 – Siewert
12/14 – Lehne
12/21 – Fahning
12/28 – Open

December Birthdays

4 Paige Chapman
5 Alex Hanson
9 Laura Braun
13 Mel Schwanz
13 Nikalette Balliet
17 Gavin Sickmann
21 Russ Olson
21 Larry Sickmann
23 Alice Schmidt
23 Holly Sutton
29 Lucca Balliet
29 Lily Meany
29 Londyen Mears